As part of our Social Compliance Management System, robust governance, clear policies, effective risk management as well as a profound understanding of our supply chain, are the basis for a targeted approach to addressing slavery and human trafficking. At Vaillant Group we incorporate mechanisms to prevent modern slavery at various stages of our own group-wide operations and when selecting and managing suppliers. In our own operations we have not identified any heightened forced labour and modern slavery risks. In our Purchasing function, we have implemented a comprehensive external supplier due diligence process.
8.1. Supplier selection process
For new suppliers, we have integrated social and environmental aspects into our supplier pre-assessment. It includes a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and additionally for larger suppliers, the recognition of our Supplier Code of Conduct.
This helps us to select suppliers who support the values that Vaillant Group stands for. Furthermore, it is expected that suppliers ensure compliance with the same diligence and regulations under which they operate for the Vaillant Group, from all of their sub-suppliers.
8.2. Key suppliers
Because of their degree of integration, the nature of their products and services or volume, certain business partners play a key role in our company’s success. We are closely engaged with these key suppliers to reassure their commitment to our human rights and environmental standards.
As a result, we have introduced our Supplier Quality Guideline and our General Purchasing Terms covering not only product, process and legal related aspects but also environmental and social concerns.
8.3. Supplier Code of Conduct
We implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct which lays out our expectations and requirements towards our Suppliers with regards to health and safety, environment, labour, human rights and compliance.
We expect our larger suppliers to sign our Supplier Code of Conduct. This also contains requirements on forced, bonded (including dept bondage) or indentured labour, slavery and human trafficking as well as torture and degrading treatment.
By the end of 2024, 1,325 suppliers, covering around 77 per cent of our purchase volume, had accepted our guidelines. In relation to the purchasing volume with suppliers operating in countries classified as particular risk countries by the Vaillant Group, the share is 91 per cent.
8.4. Supplier audits
New suppliers of materials are subject to a risk-oriented supplier audit covering quality, compliance, environmental and social concerns. In addition, we conduct audits of existing suppliers based on a priority matrix covering the same matters.
We developed a standardised questionnaire for use in the supplier audits which includes sections on human rights and labour standards, occupational health, environmental protection and the fight against corruption.
The audit touches “labour and ethics” issues including:
- Forced labour;
- Child labour;
- Discrimination based on race, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership or marital status;
- Freedom of association;
- Health and safety;
- Corruption and bribery; and
- Protection of intellectual property.
As necessary, corrective action plans are agreed on which will be subject to review during the next audit at the latest audit.
In 2024 we completed 111 supplier audits 79 of which included a social check. No findings relating to modern slavery or human trafficking were registered.
8.5. Training
To keep awareness high and ensure that measures preventing modern slavery are part of day-to-day business, we have included respective aspects in our development efforts for employees and suppliers.
- We have introduced a social compliance module as part of our mandatory compliance web-based learning for our employees which includes modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Auditors receive initial training on the social compliance requirements for suppliers and the social check methodology.
- Suppliers are supported by our Supplier Quality Guideline and are invited to seek for support in case needed.
- To ensure a common understanding of our principles and the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking we provide additional targeted training for relevant departments, if necessary.